Knowledge Base

CB-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions


Buoy deployments are usually complex operations that involve many elements including sensors, data loggers, mounting hardware, and mooring equipment. Careful planning and precautions are essential to the success of a buoy project, not only for system operation and data collection but also to ensure the safety of project personnel and minimize the risk of damage to expensive system components. When planning a buoy deployment, be sure to give careful consideration to the following aspects:

Buoy sizing and power budget

Buoys come in various physical sizes with differing battery and solar charge capacities. A buoy must be adequately sized to tolerate the site environmental conditions while providing sufficient power for continuous system operation. A power budget should be analyzed to ensure the system can meet the demand for sensor measurements and data transmission.

Buoy ballast

Proper ballast of a buoy is critical to buoy stability when it is deployed in the water. Be sure to review the ballast weight and stability guide when designing a buoy system. Some experimentation may be required before final deployment.

Buoy mooring

Mooring systems come in many forms depending on the location, water depth, and environmental conditions to which a buoy will be exposed. As a starting point, the mooring data buoys guide provides an overview of common mooring strategies. However, NexSens does not endorse any particular mooring strategy, and systems should be designed and executed based on careful consideration and local knowledge of the deployment site.

Electrical connections

Many NexSens buoy systems utilize UW connectors for connection of power and sensor cables. Data loggers such as the X2-CB have UW receptacle ports to receive sensor cables fitted with UW plug connectors. UW connectors provide a double O-ring seal, with one O-ring inside the receptacle and one around the plug. In order to ensure waterproof connection, check the following each time a UW connection is made:

  1. The O-ring inside the receptacle is present (has not fallen out)
  2. The receptacle and plug are clean, dry and free of debris
  3. The O-ring on the plug is lightly greased
  4. Connection is tight, secure and fully seated
  5. Unused receptacle ports are fitted with UW port plugs

Connections may be periodically inspected and maintained with O-ring grease, at a minimum before each buoy deployment.

CB-Series data buoys contain a waterproof data well constructed of stainless steel where batteries are mounted. Whenever installing or maintaining battery systems, use caution to avoid short-circuiting of battery poles to the metal walls of the data well. Gloves and tools with rubber grips are recommended, and any exposed connections should always be covered with electrical tape or other suitable coverings.

Safe deployment

Above all else, safety is the most critical consideration to take during the planning and precautions of a buoy deployment. Any time a buoy system is deployed, there are countless hazards, including, but not limited to, working on/near water and lifting of heavy equipment. Important factors to consider for personnel safety are:

  • Use of safety equipment (i.e., life jackets, gloves, steel toed boots, etc.,)
  • Proper lifting and mooring techniques
  • Awareness of on-site and surrounding weather conditions and advisories

Despite careful planning and precautions, unforeseen situations are always still a possibility. Buoy deployments are an at-risk operation, and the user assumes liability for any injury or damages that may occur.